Is Social Security Tax Mandatory? Rules, Rates & Exemptions (2026)

Social Security tax rules, rates, and exemptions with money and calculator

Yes, Social Security tax is compulsory for nearly all workers in the United States. According to the Social Security Administration’s 2026 fact sheet, employees contribute 6.2% of wages, employers contribute 6.2% and self-employed workers contribute the entire amount 12.4% up to the 2026 wage base limit of $184,500. A very small number of categories of […]